A Ganado (loosely meaning "Livestock" or "Cattle") is the general term given to any person who has been implanted or infected with the weakest form of Las Plagas parasite, a special type of organism which can cause significant changes to it's host. These were widely used by the
Los Illuminados cult as a means to control the population as higher-ranking members of the cult with more powerful Plagas could literally control the lesser ones.
There were three general types of Ganado - first, the villagers which comprised of ordinary folk: farmers, labourers and average families. Second, the Cultists, who were essentially
Ramon Salazar's personal bodyguards, indoctrinated religious fanatics and used medieval weapons such as maces or axes. Finally the combatants, who were armed with modern weapons and could go toe-to-toe with
Leon S. Kennedy.
Compared to the zombies from the Arklay region of the United States, Ganado still retain all of their core human aspects - most of them have jobs, live in homes and eat as families. However these are all quite twisted as they still have an unending need to follow their cult leaders and so they live poorly, their rage forces them kill all outsiders and their
Plaga gives them increased durability. The main indicator that the
Plaga is more active in a Ganado is that their eyes will glow red.
Occasionally their
Plaga can take over the whole body if the human side can no longer do so, such as if the brain is destroyed. Then, the parasite emerges from the body and assumes control over the nervous system. From there it can attack enemies with the host or by itself. When a Ganado is defeated along with its parasite, a rapid deterioration occurs where the entire body is dissolved in moments.
Ganado usually speak a form of American-based Spanish which is uncommon from the area, and they also have been seen working together in order to achieve goals.
There are also unique Ganado in the area such as the
Chainsaw Man,
The Merchant (who is an uncharacteristically friendly Ganado and also speaks English) and others.
It is apparent that
Leon S. Kennedy does not understand basic Spanish, as the first Ganado he encounters says "¿Qué carajo estás haciendo aquí? ¡Lárgate cabrón!" which even the average American should have a loose understanding of via osmosis, but he does not react very much to this. Translation: "What the fuck are you doing here? Get out you bastard!"
